Carolyn Garner's Obituary
Carolyn (Swartz) Garner, 84, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted daughters, Staci and Alicia, who held her hands as she slipped gently into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born on February 28, 1941, in Port Arthur, Texas, to John Swartz and Nina Arnold, Carolyn grew up in a close-knit refinery community, where her father worked faithfully as a chief engineer for Texaco and served his coastal community engaging in the design of numerous civil infrastructure projects. From an early age, she cultivated a lifelong passion for reading, singing, and—most profoundly—a deep, abiding devotion to her Savior.
A proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Carolyn graduated 7th in a class of 499. Carolyn went on to attend Lamar Tech (now Lamar University), earning a degree in elementary education. She brought her warmth and enthusiasm to classrooms in both Fort Worth ISD and Galveston ISD, touching the lives of countless young students.
On June 15, 1963, Carolyn married the love of her life, (John) Clayton Garner, at First Presbyterian Church in Port Arthur. Fellow alumni of Thomas Jefferson High School and Lamar Tech, Clayton served in the United States Army during the early years of their courtship and marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life, welcoming daughter Staci Rae on July 20, 1965, in Lubbock, Texas, and daughter Alicia Lee on May 29, 1968, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The family eventually settled in Lake Highlands, Dallas, where they planted deep roots.
Carolyn and Clayton were faithful, selfless servants in the congregations of Reinhardt Bible Church and later Lake Ridge Bible Church. They passionately supported missionaries around the world, while Carolyn joyfully sang in her church choirs for decades, maintained meticulous prayer journals as a devoted prayer warrior, and shared the gospel boldly with everyone she encountered—often by asking how she could pray for them or offering a cherished “smiley card.” She never missed a birthday or anniversary, sending thoughtful cards and letters that brightened countless days. Carolyn regularly visited nursing homes, church friends, and neighbors, and volunteered for many years at Doctors Hospital in Dallas.
An avid tennis player who loved long walks with Clayton, Carolyn especially cherished the Christmas season, filling her home with the aromas of her beloved baking shared with family and friends. Music—particularly hymns—was woven into the fabric of her daily life, a constant melody of praise.
In Carolyn’s presence, one always felt enveloped in love and grace, greeted by her radiant smile. Above all, her profound love for her husband and daughters was the greatest source of her joy.
Cherishing her memory are her daughters, Staci Gideon and husband Henry, and Alicia Cummings and husband Dan; grandchildren Andee Lee Mundine and husband Aaron, and Tristan Garner Gideon and wife Morgan; great-grandchildren Malakai Conner Gideon, Maeve Wren Gideon, and Maren Josefine Gideon; sister Nina Senn and husband Bob; brother-in-law Dwain McDonald; niece Cheryl Kay; nephews Stuart, Eric, and Kurt; and many beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Clayton, her parents, and her sister Jane McDonald.
Her life was a shining testament to faith, love, and kindness—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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Carolyn’s Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19th, 2025 at Lake Ridge Bible Church (1020 Northwest Drive, Mesquite, Texas 75150).
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (Capital of Texas Chapter, 5508 Hwy 290 West Suite 206, Austin, Texas 78735).
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